by Jeff Gluck, USA TODAY Sports

by Jeff Gluck, USA TODAY Sports

Jason Ratcliff, crew chief for Matt Kenseth, told Sirius/XM Radio on Wednesday night that he understood he was responsible for all parts of the car - even if he never touches the engine.

Still, he said parts of the penalties were "quite surprising, quite shocking" in their severity.

"I respect their stance on it, and they've got to have a go-to guy - and that go-to guy is the crew chief," he said. "We raise our hand and say, 'I'm responsible for this race car from the time we get to the racetrack to the time we get through post-race inspection.' Now, the reality of it is ... there's no way one individual could put his finger on every part and piece."

NASCAR docked Kenseth 50 points earlier Wednesday after it was disclosed his engine failed post-race inspection Sunday at Kansas Speedway. Kenseth was also stripped of his pole position award, and his win in the STP 400 will not count for bonus points towards the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Ratcliff was also suspended for six races and fined $200,000.

Ratcliff called Joe Gibbs Racing's agreement with Toyota Racing Development a "turn-key deal" in which TRD builds, installs and removes the engines each week. He said he was "110% convinced this is nothing more than an oversight."

"I don't think there's any intent," he added.

Ratcliff said he didn't think the 50-point penalty would affect the team's Chase chances, even though it knocked Kenseth out of the top 10.

"Fifty points is something I feel strongly we can overcome," Ratcliff said. "I think we'll continue to go out each week and be successful. In a few weeks, it'll be a thing of the past and be right back where we belong."

The argument for the appeal has not yet been determined, Ratcliff said. A potential replacement should the appeal fail has also not been chosen.

Ratcliff dodged the question as to whether or not he would have to pay his $200,000 fine or if someone would pay it for him.

"Maybe you can start a relief fund," he told host Claire B. Lang. "Each (listener) pitch in a buck."